Regulatory Discussions With SRPEDD

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The Mattapoisett Planning Board met on Monday in a hybrid-format in Town Hall and on Zoom.

            First, Chair Thomas Tucker began the meeting by introducing Taylor Perez from the agency Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) who walked the board through updated rules and regulations for surrounding communities. SRPEDD is working with the towns of the Tri-Town, as well as surrounding Massachusetts Communities, to develop sustainable plans for community/economic development.

            Perez provided a draft of various updates to rules and regs for planning boards across the SoutCoast, notably Lakeville. The board will spend time going over the draft, and Perez said she would return mid-August with more updates, though discussion lines will remain open in that time.

            Other representatives from SRPEDD then discussed the draft of the Stormwater Management Bylaw. SRPEDD representative noted, “Like all Massachusetts communities, Mattapoisett has to abide by MS4.” The board and the consulting agency went through various aspects of stormwater management, including discussing other communities and their watershed management procedures. The board is still in preparatory phases of their MS4 compliance planning with plans to have something for vote at Town Meeting.

            SRPEDD encouraged board members to continue asking questions and independently study various facets of water management.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, July 20 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 16 Main Street.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Revised Proposal by Sippican Holdings

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The Marion Planning Board met on Monday in the Police Department’s conference room and along with the approval of payment to Toll Brothers, Inc. for a Field Engineering Peer Review, held a Public Hearing for the expansion of the existing structure at Sippican Holdings, LLC’s site at 14 Barnabas Road.

            Following the approval of minutes from their June 15 meeting, Chair Sean Sweeney moved to approve paying their invoice of $1,354.20 to Toll Brothers, Inc. for a Field Engineering Peer Review, which the board quickly approved.

            Next, the Public Hearing for the Site Plan Application for the Expansion of the Existing Structure at 14 Barnabas Road was opened. The applicant was Paul Downey of Sippican Holdings, LLC.

            Jeff Couture, Senior Project Manager at SITEC Engineering, began by speaking on behalf of the applicant and explained the project’s scope. The site at 14 Barnabas Road was originally commercial office space with two separate buildings connected by an entry vestibule. The building is hooked into town water and sewer systems, as well as having natural gas hookups.

            The proposed plan would see the removal of the conjoining vestibule and the creation of two distinct buildings which would be converted for residential use, totaling in 20 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units. The buildings will also be made ADA compliant. Couture noted 327 parking spots would be required per zoning bylaw, though the project would see 488 total spots made available.

            A Peer Review was deemed necessary. It was also noted that the site must be inspected, that being by multiple officials including a building inspector, environmental specialist, engineers, and the Fire Chief. The Peer Review will encompass stormwater, a traffic study, and construction phases. There were questions on whether the hearing should be continued to the board’s next meeting, though a motion was made to allow Chair Sweeney to unilaterally approve the Peer Review. The Public Hearing was then continued to the board’s August 3 meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, July 20.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Buzzards Bay Musicfest Open Rehearsal

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On Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 pm, there will be an open rehearsal of the full orchestra with Maestro Antony Walker conducting. This will be a unique and rare opportunity to observe professional musicians in rehearsal as they prepare for the evening performance. This is a musical event you will not want to miss! The open rehearsal is free for any and all to attend. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to be a part of this special event. All concerts for the Buzzards Bay Musicfest will be held in the Fireman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion, MA 02738. For more detailed information, please visit: www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com.

Dunkin Coffee Incident: It Was an Iced Coffee!

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As has been widely reported in the last week, on Friday, July 3, a customer angrily threw their coffee at a worker at the Mattapoisett Dunkin at 51 County Road. Something not reported, however, is that it was an iced coffee, not a hot one.

            Speaking with an employee who did not wish to share their name, they informed The Wanderer this week that the coffee thrown at the staff member was iced, not hot, and no serious injuries were reported.

            Mattapoisett Police did not offer a statement, and nor was Dunkin able to provide more information, though it should be noted everyone is safe and no one was seriously injured.

            Please treat your servers with respect. They work long and difficult hours, nothing warrants abuse or assault.

By Sam Bishop

Town Debates State Marijuana Permit Regulation

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The Rochester Select Board Monday took under advisement the proposed adoption of a new Special Equity Policy regarding marijuana establishments, out of concern the regulation will limit who can receive that type of business license.

            The policy that the state is mandating every city and town adopt requires towns to grant permits for marijuana-related establishments to minority-owned businesses. The theory is that minorities were the most adversely affected by the past illegality of marijuana.

            In an appearance with the board on Zoom, Town Counsel Elizabeth Lydon explained that the town has three options to comply with this mandate: adopt the policy exclusively for three years, adopt a model bylaw setting the policy in town regulations, or merely put the policy into the permitting process. In any of these cases, a socially-equitable applicant must get the permit.

            Select Board member Brad Morse pushed back, saying adopting this mandate means that if someone comes to town to request a marijuana establishment who does not fit the social equity criteria, the town can’t approve the permit. The town is considering one applicant for a marijuana establishment already. Beyond this application, a second permit applicant would have to match the “social equitable” definition. “It’s just wrong,” he said. “I don’t like being told we can’t have a certain business in town.”

            Lydon said the only way around this mandate was for the applicant in question to partner with a minority business owner. Both Morse and fellow member Paul Ciaburri indicated they disagreed with this mandate. “We want to encourage more business in town, not less,” Morse said.

            “To summarize,” Town Administrator Cameron Durant said, “this is something that the town should have done since 2022 (when marijuana-related establishments were first allowed).”

            Morse and Ciaburri chose to take the policy change under advisement and await absent member Adam Murphy’s return at its next meeting for a formal vote.

            In other action, the board appointed Stephen Doonan, a town resident since 2014, to the Historic District Committee.

            The board approved newly appointed Park Commission member Douglas Sims as a Special Employee. Durant explained this designation will avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, as he is also a member of the Old Rochester Youth Baseball League and mans the league’s snack shack.

            The board acknowledged the town has received $179,671.94 from the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means’ Winter Recovery Assistance Program. Durant said these funds will be used to town roadwork.

            Board of Selectmen’s next meeting will be Monday July 20 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Young People’s Concert

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a Young People’s Concert on Friday, July 10.  The concert will include an opportunity for children in the audience to play rhythm instruments with the band.  The program is as follows:

            Looney Tunes Overture – B. Holcombe 

            A Disney Spectacular – arr. J. Moss

            Highlights from Frozen – arr. Sean O’Loughlin

            Pixar Movie Magic – arr. M. Brown

            Variations on “Bingo” – S. Reisteter

            The Candy Man (from Willie Wonka) – A. Newley

            Pure Imagination – A. Newley

            Journey to the Lion’s Castle – R. Galante

            Walt Disney Overture – J. Christensen

            The Wizard of Oz Fantasy – H. Arlen

            Moana – arr. J. Bocook

            Shrek Dance Party – arr. P. Murtha

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion.  All concerts are free and open to the public.  “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

When Election Security Becomes Voter Suppression

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To the Editor;

            When Election Security Becomes Voter Suppression

            The SAVE America Act should be defeated because it would make it harder for eligible Americans to vote while addressing a problem that evidence suggests is exceedingly rare. Election integrity is essential to democracy, but protecting elections should not come at the expense of eligible citizens’ access to the ballot.

            The bill would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. While that may sound straightforward, millions of Americans lack immediate access to documents such as passports or certified birth certificates. Replacing lost records can be costly and time-consuming, creating unnecessary barriers for citizens who are legally entitled to vote.

            These requirements could disproportionately affect married women who have changed their names, military personnel, students, older adults, tribal citizens, rural residents, and people with disabilities. For many, proving citizenship may involve gathering multiple documents simply because their current legal name does not match older records. No eligible voter should face unnecessary obstacles because of paperwork.

            Supporters argue the legislation is needed to prevent noncitizens from voting. However, noncitizen voting is already illegal and carries serious criminal penalties. Election officials, researchers, and independent investigations have consistently found documented cases to be exceedingly rare. Rather than targeting widespread fraud, the bill would impose new requirements on every eligible voter.

            The SAVE America Act would also place additional burdens on state and local election officials. Election offices would need to verify citizenship documents, revise registration procedures, train staff, and resolve more registration disputes, all requiring time and resources that many jurisdictions already lack.

            Americans should not have to overcome new bureaucratic hurdles to exercise one of our most fundamental constitutional rights. We can strengthen election security through accurate voter rolls, robust audits, modern election technology, and vigorous enforcement of existing laws without making it harder for eligible citizens to vote.

            Our democracy is strongest when elections are both secure and accessible. Laws that risk disenfranchising eligible voters in response to a problem that evidence indicates is uncommon move us in the wrong direction. Congress should reject the SAVE America Act and instead pursue reforms that protect both the integrity of our elections and every eligible citizen’s right to vote.

            Eileen J. Marum, Marion

            Chair, League of Women Voters SouthCoast

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Marie Grable Appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for ORRSD

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie Grable as the next Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55.

            Grable will succeed Dr. Jaime Curley, who was recently named Superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools, pending successful contract negotiations. Grable will begin her new role on Monday, July 6.

            Grable most recently served as Assistant Executive Director of the North River Collaborative, where she helped oversee instructional programming, developed transition programs for students, coordinated mentoring initiatives and participated in strategic planning and budget development.

            Before joining North River Collaborative, Grable served for eight years as Administrator of Special Education for Silver Lake Regional School District and Superintendency Union #31, where she coordinated special education services, developed in-district programming, managed budgets and ensured compliance with state and federal requirements.

            Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Pupil Personnel Services in East Bridgewater Public Schools and spent more than 10 years as a school psychologist in East Bridgewater and Mashpee Public Schools.

            Grable holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Rhode Island College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Special Education from Salve Regina University. She is licensed in Massachusetts as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist, and is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

            “Marie has dedicated her career to ensuring students receive the services and support they need to succeed,” said Superintendent Nelson. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in special education leadership and program development to our school system. We are excited to welcome her to our leadership team and know she will be a tremendous resource for our students, families and staff.”

            “I am honored to join Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55,” said Grable. “I look forward to working alongside our educators and families to strengthen the outstanding student services programs throughout the school system.”

Marian Hazel Treichler

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Marian Hazel Treichler, of Marion, passed away on Thursday July 2, 2026 at the age of 96. She was the daughter of the late Hazel (Berry) Raymond and “Jack” Alphonse Raymond of Rochester.

            She was born and raised in Fairhaven before moving to Rochester. Upon graduating high school she attended Columbia University in New York where she earned a degree in Psychology. While in New York she met her future husband Nino Treichler of Wädenswil, Switzerland. They moved to Switzerland for 15 years while raising a family of three children before ultimately moving back to Massachusetts where she received her Master’s degree in teaching from Bridgewater State College.

            She worked as a Special Needs teacher for over 25 years at Rogers Elementary and Fairhaven High School. Her ability to recognize what others often missed in children’s learning, behavioral and health issues was invaluable, and often resulted in significant developmental improvements for her students. Through her thoughtful and kind approach, she was able to gain the trust needed to help kids open up and get to whatever the core issue was at hand. Her mantra was always “Teach the children with love.” After retirement from teaching she continued to work part time as a tour guide at the Samuel Whitehorn House in Newport, Rhode Island.

            She was an avid reader who enjoyed researching and managing her own investments and even earned a real estate brokers license to dabble in that field. She also really enjoyed cooking, having learned numerous Swiss recipes during her time spent abroad, as well as classic American recipes learned from her mother Hazel. She had a special affection for her Dachshund, Lieber and was known to always be well supplied with lemons for her tea. She loved vacationing with her children in the Lakes region of Maine in summers and ski areas in Vermont and New Hampshire in winters as well as numerous trips up and down the east coast. She lived her life always encouraging the pursuit of creative arts, the love of animals and the appreciation of nature.

            She is survived by her three children, Nicole Treichler, Pascale Treichler and Marc Treichler and her four beloved grandchildren, Danjasha, Emelia, Chelsea and Landis.

            A private burial and celebration will be held on Friday July 10th. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local MSPCA shelter.

Donald J. Gregory

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Donald J. Gregory, 94, of Mattapoisett passed away Sunday June 28, 2026 after a period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Beatrice M. (Antoune) Gregory; they had been married for 67 years.

            Born in Mattapoisett, the son of the late Manuel J. and Mary H. (Morgado) Gregory, he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life.

            Donald was formerly employed as a firefighter at Otis Air Force Base until his retirement.

            During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Damien Council, the American Legion Post 166 in Fairhaven, and the Antique Truck Club of America. He and his late wife had been active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking.

            He is survived by his sisters, Joann Rocha and Rose Marie Gonsalves; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

            He was the brother of the late Patricia Gregory and Nancy Gregory.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday July 9th at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday July 8th from 4-6 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett.